Everything you didn't want to know about Woodfibre LNG and how it will impact Howe Sound communities.

Join us as Tracey Saxby and Eoin Finn share more than five years of research about how Woodfibre LNG and the associated 24-inch high pressure FortisBC pipeline will increase fracking and lock us into 25-40 years of extreme carbon pollution.

Learn how these projects will impact the health and safety of our communities, put Howe Sound residents at risk, and threaten the recovery of Howe Sound’s ecosystems and wildlife.

Then find out how you can help to stop them.

RSVP VIA EVENTBRITE

DETAILED ITINERARY

6:30pm Doors open

7:00pm Welcome from Squamish Nation

7:10pm Presentation by Tracey Saxby + Eoin Finn

8:10pm Q+A

9:00pm Event ends

SPEAKER BIOS

Tracey Saxby | Co-Founder and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky

Marine Scientist. Activist. Visionary change-maker.

In 2007 Tracey kickstarted the grassroots movement to reduce plastic bag use across Canada. Fast-forward seven years, and Tracey picked up a megaphone to lead thousands of people in a climate uprising. Tracey holds a masters equivalent in marine science and is a partner at Visual Science with over sixteen years of experience working at the nexus of science, design, and communication. Her passions include skiing, kiteboarding, rockclimbing, singing, and playing D&D.

Eoin Finn | Co-Founder and Board Chair of My Sea to Sky

Extreme Energy Researcher.

Eoin is a management consultant with 25 years of business experience, and is now a retired partner of major accounting/consulting firm KPMG. Eoin holds a B.Sc. in chemistry, a Ph.D. in physical chemistry and an MBA in International Business. Eoin has spent the past five years researching aspects of BC’s proposed LNG industry. Eoin enjoys spending time on Bowyer Island in Howe Sound with his wife and three children, two of whom have become marine biologists.

Advance voting begins tomorrow! Do you have a plan? Do you know where to go to vote? Do you know who you are voting for? Here's what you need to do:

The Federal election is coming up on October 21st 2019. Here's what you need to do:

1. Get informed

Who are your candidates? What are their values? Are they willing to collaborate with others across party lines? How well will they represent their constituents in Ottawa? This is a critical time for Canada, and who we elect will determine whether we tackle our climate emergency, or continue to bury our head in the sand and promote dirty fossil fuel projects. Make sure you vote wisely.

Learn more about the parties and your candidate!

• LeadNow has identified which candidates are willing to cooperate for climate.
  IS YOUR CANDIDATE A CLIMATE CHAMPION?
   
• FairVotingBC has put together a report card on party promises.
  WHAT GRADE DO THE PARTIES GET?
   
• Macleans has put together a helpful page that lists where each party stands on key issues.
  WHERE DO THE PARTIES STAND ON KEY ISSUES?
   
• CBC has a brief overview of key campaign promises
  CAMPAIGN PROMISES SO FAR...
   
• Read the platforms for each party

  • CONSERVATIVE PARTY PLATFORM (still not available yet)

  • GREEN PARTY PLATFORM

  • LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM

  • NDP PARTY PLATFORM

Watch the all-candidates debates

Watch the federal leaders debate to learn more about each party. But remember, you should be voting for your specific candidate in your riding! Don't vote for the leader, or the party. You need to know more about who your candidates are, and whether they are a serious contender or just there to warm a seat for a particular party (and split the vote).

WATCH THE FEDERAL ELECTION LEADERS DEBATE 2019-10-07

WATCH THE MACLEANS DEBATE 2019-09-12 (note that Justin Trudeau chose not to participate)

Where do the parties stand on Woodfibre LNG?

• The Green Party is the only party that has clearly stated its opposition to Woodfibre LNG and LNG development. They have promised to ban fracking outright as part of their platform, and given that 85% of our natural gas currently comes from fracking, that means LNG projects simply cannot happen. SEE GREEN PARTY PLATFORM
   
• The NDP have previously expressed opposition to fracking, but currently support LNG development. Yes, there is a disconnect there. Svend Robinson is the only NDP candidate that is vocally opposed to LNG development and fracking. They have committed to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, but their platform makes no specific mention of LNG or fracking. Given the Provincial NDP support for LNG it is unlikely that the Federal NDP will oppose LNG development. READ MORE HERE and SEE NDP PARTY PLATFORM
   
• Over the last four years Liberals have committed several tax breaks and subsidies to support LNG development, and have approved several LNG projects. Their platform makes no mention of eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, and their recent purchase of an oil pipeline will make it much harder for Canada to transition away from fossil fuels. SEE LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM
   
• The Conservatives are clearly committed to supporting more oil and gas development including LNG, and will eliminate the carbon tax despite evidence that carbon taxes work to reduce emissions.

2. Vote!

In the last Federal election in 2015, there was an increase in voter turnout to 68.5%, the highest voter turnout since 1993. The people we elect to Federal government will be making key decisions on the future of Canada, and how we take action on climate change. Your vote is critical.

Vote on election day:

Vote at your assigned polling station on Monday, October 21st. Times vary by polling station. IMPORTANT! You must vote at your assigned polling station!

FIND YOUR ASSIGNED POLLING STATION HERE

We are furious, and we need your help.

For the last five years we've been saying that the environmental assessment process is completely broken... and right now, when we have a chance to fix it, the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) has proposed changes that will make it even worse.

Last week I felt so inspired to be a part of history as over 7 million people took to the streets for the global climate strike. One thing is crystal clear: we need to do everything we can to stop new fossil fuel development like Woodfibre LNG if we want to solve our climate emergency.

Happy Earth Day! We thought we'd celebrate by sharing some incredible good news stories about Howe Sound.

Volunteers and organizations from around Howe Sound are coordinating efforts to clean up the debris caused by our extreme winter storms.

On Monday, the BC NDP sided with the BC Liberals to vote 80–3 to approve new fossil fuel subsidies to prop up LNG export projects like Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada.

We've been paying close attention to Woodfibre LNG, and the rumours are concerning.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Orca Celebration calls on Minister Heyman to Protect Howe Sound

Last year My Sea to Sky created a heart to launch our campaign to Protect Howe Sound (watch the video). This year we're going big, like really big, as we create an orca out of people.

My Sea to Sky is proud to be partnering with the Squamish Street Market to Celebrate Orcas and call on Minister George Heyman to Protect Howe Sound.

Media is invited to attend. Photos and video footage will be provided immediately following the event.

WHAT: Art meets activism as we create an orca out of people with the stunning Stawamus Chief as a backdrop.

WHO: My Sea to Sky and Squamish Street Market

WHEN: Sunday September 16, 2018 3pm - 4pm, followed by a picnic celebration at O'Siyam Pavilion

WHERE: Xwu’nekw Park and Canoe Shelter (pronounced whoo-Nay-Oak), on the waterfront at the corner of Loggers Lane and Main Street in Squamish (see map).

WHY: After decades of industrial damage, orcas have returned to Howe Sound in the last few years as the ecosystem has recovered. My Sea to Sky is calling on Minister George Heyman to recognize the work that has been accomplished to begin to restore Howe Sound's fragile ecosystems, and to protect Howe Sound for future generations.

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DOWNLOAD POSTER, VIDEO, AND GRAPHIC FILES HERE

CONTACTS

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Orca Celebration cancelled due to logistics with weather

My Sea to Sky regrets to announce that the Orca Celebration planned for Sunday 16th September is cancelled due to logistical challenges with the weather.

The Squamish Street Market will proceed, rain or shine, from 10am till 6pm as planned on Sunday 16th September, with live music, beer garden, food vendors, and street market.  

My Sea to Sky hopes to partner with the Squamish Street Market again in 2019, and will ensure that any future events are better weather-proofed.

-- 30 --

CONTACTS

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

Bianca Peters -- Squamish Street Market
604.815.8725 bianca@bpcom.ca

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2nd November 2018

"Trudeau: Pull up your socks on climate change"

Approximately 50 people stood in the rain outside Gleneagles Golf Course in West Vancouver last night, determined to send a message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was scheduled to attend a $1,500-per-plate Liberal fundraising event inside.

With signs reading "Trudeau: Pull up your socks on climate change!" and "Climate Action Now!" and "LNG = Climate Change," concerned citizens created a chorus with drums and pots and pans as they waited for more than three hours for the Prime Minister's convoy to appear.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate change catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are angry about the lack of real climate action from our leaders, and we're scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government continues to expand fossil fuel production, by approving Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export facilities, and the recent Kinder Morgan pipeline purchase. This is not climate leadership."

The federal Liberals continue to cave in to pressure from the fossil fuel industry, with the most recent proposal to lower the carbon tax on coal burning power plants to $1 per tonne.

"The Federal government is allowing the biggest carbon polluters to continue destroying our climate. Our children will be paying the price for that pollution."

As the Federal election approaches in 2019, citizens warn that this kind of action is just the beginning.

"This is a climate emergency," Saxby said. "We need urgent action from all levels of government to immediately reduce carbon pollution, and retrain oil and gas workers to help support the transition to a renewable energy economy. Our future depends on it."

Neither the Prime Minister nor local MPs Pamela Goldsmith-Jones or Jonathan Wilkinson stopped to speak with protesters.

-- 30 --

DOWNLOAD PHOTOS HERE

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 23rd November 2018

We will continue to fight: Woodfibre LNG is not a done deal

Squamish Nation has voted to approve the Impact Benefit Agreement with Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC, and the Provincial Government, fulfilling a key condition imposed as part of the Nation's environmental assessment process.

We respect Squamish Nation’s decision, but recognize that this was a split vote.

My Sea to Sky remains steadfastly opposed to Woodfibre LNG.

We have grave concerns about the impacts that Woodfibre LNG will have on wildlife in Howe Sound, the lack of safety regulations for LNG tankers in Canadian waters, the costs of air pollution to human health, the subsidies that are unfairly propping up a sunset industry, and the upstream and local climate impacts of this project.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities. We cannot build new fossil fuel infrastructure when we are facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of our planet."

"Nearly 18,000 people around Howe Sound have signed a declaration in opposition to Woodfibre LNG. This project does not have social license to proceed and we will continue to fight for our future."

-- 30 --

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

SEE SQUAMISH NATION'S LIST OF 25 CONDITIONS HERE

http://www.squamish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SN_Newsletter_V3_26Oct2016-01288844.pdf

SEE THE HOWE SOUND DECLARATION HERE

http://www.myseatosky.org/declaration

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.

Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 29th November 2018

Woodfibre LNG is a bad deal for BC

On Wednesday 21st November, Squamish Nation voted 8-6 in a contentious decision to approve an Impact Benefit Agreement with Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC, BC Hydro, and the Provincial Government, fulfilling a key condition imposed as part of the Nation's environmental assessment process.

Details of this agreement have been leaked via The Breaker News, and include lands, jobs, and $225.6 million in cash payments over 40 years, averaging almost $4.7 million a year.

"Woodfibre LNG is a bad deal for BC," stated Eoin Finn, Chair of My Sea to Sky, a people-powered environmental organization that has been working to stop Woodfibre LNG since 2014. "This is a giveaway of public money and resources, to a foreign-owned company owned by Sukanto Tanoto, an Indonesian billionaire whose companies have a history of tax evasion and human rights violations."

"This shows just how far the Provincial government is willing to go to prop up an LNG export industry that is simply not viable without massive subsidies and tax breaks. This is scandalous."

My Sea to Sky remains steadfastly opposed to Woodfibre LNG.

We have grave concerns about the impacts that Woodfibre LNG will have on wildlife in Howe Sound, the lack of safety regulations for LNG tankers in Canadian waters, the costs of air pollution to human health, the subsidies that are unfairly propping up a sunset industry, and the upstream and local climate impacts of this project.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities. We cannot build new fossil fuel infrastructure when we are facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of our planet."

"Woodfibre LNG is a bad deal for British Columbians, a bad deal for Howe Sound, and a bad deal for our climate."

Nearly 18,000 people around Howe Sound have signed a declaration in opposition to Woodfibre LNG.

-- 30 --

For interviews please contact:

Eoin Finn -- Chair, My Sea To Sky
604.715.7991 efinn@shaw.ca

Tracey Saxby -- Executive Director, My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

SEE THE BREAKER NEWS ARTICLE

https://thebreaker.news/news/woodfibre-squamish-deal/

SEE THE LIST OF TAX BREAKS AND SUBSIDIES ALREADY GRANTED TO WOODFIBRE LNG

https://www.squamishchief.com/opinion/letters/letter-about-lng-subsidies-1.23470075

SEE SQUAMISH NATION'S LIST OF 25 CONDITIONS HERE

http://www.squamish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SN_Newsletter_V3_26Oct2016-01288844.pdf

SEE THE HOWE SOUND DECLARATION HERE

http://www.myseatosky.org/declaration

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 25th March 2019

New fossil fuel subsidies jeopardize climate action

On Monday, the BC legislature voted 80–3 to approve new fossil fuel subsidies to prop up LNG export projects like Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada. This latest tax giveaway is in addition to subsidized power rates, elimination of the LNG royalty tax, reduced provincial income tax, and exemptions from carbon tax increases, to name a few. The total tax giveaway has been calculated at over $6 billion.

"The tax breaks and subsidies that have already been granted to this fledgling LNG industry are irresponsible and reckless," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "Subsidizing a new fossil fuel industry when we're facing a climate crisis is fracking crazy."

While LNG has been promoted as "clean" and "green" by the Provincial government, experts say BC LNG will create more greenhouse gases than coal due to leaking methane from fracking, and delay the transition to renewables.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to avoid climate catastrophe. People are scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities. Incentivizing fracking and the rapid export of BC's natural gas seriously threatens BC's ability to meet its climate targets."

The 18.9 Mt of greenhouse gas reductions proposed in B.C's climate plan (CleanBC) still fall 25 percent short of achieving our legislated 2030 target of 25.4 Mt to meet the Paris Agreement.

To achieve the new emissions target outlined by the recent IPCC report, we need to reduce B.C.’s emissions by 27.9 Mt by 2030 (45 percent below 2010 levels). That means the shortfall between B.C’s climate plan (Clean BC) and where we need to get to according to the IPCC is now a total of 9 Mt.  Projected emissions from the two approved LNG projects in British Columbia (Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada) are 9.1 Mt annually. If it proceeds, LNG Canada will be the single biggest source of carbon pollution in B.C.

"We need to acknowledge the cognitive dissonance of our governments: while we work to reduce our emissions, our Provincial and Federal governments continue to incentivize new emission intensive projects like LNG. This is a disappointing turnaround for the BC NDP, who spent years criticizing the BC Liberals for subsidizing LNG projects."

"Imagine if instead these incentives supported the transition to a renewable energy future. We cannot continue to build new fossil fuel infrastructure when we are facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of our planet and human existence."

-- 30 --

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- Executive Director, My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

SEE THE LIST OF TAX BREAKS AND SUBSIDIES ALREADY GRANTED TO WOODFIBRE LNG

https://www.squamishchief.com/opinion/letters/letter-about-lng-subsidies-1.23470075

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

As Woodfibre LNG is gearing up for construction, what actions are you willing to take to help us stop the project? Check all that apply:

Many people have been arguing that Woodfibre LNG should not be an election issue, however here are four reasons why we believe it needs to be: